SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZnO NANORODS AND NANOWIRES USING PVP AS CAPPING

Abstract

In this study, ZnO nanowires are synthesized via ZnO nanorods at low temperature by using zinc acetate dehydrate and polyvinylpyrrolidone as precursor and capping, respectively. We use chemical solution method for synthesis of ZnO nanowires. Samples are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. First, the nanorods are prepared at 300°C temperature, and then they are put into the furnace under air atmosphere at 450°C for 2 h. It is observed that nanowires with 20 nm diameter are produced. Photoluminescence spectra of nanorods and nanowires are compared. It shows that intensity of ultraviolet peak in the nanowires decreases but in contrast the intensity of green emission part increases. This is because, the surface effects such as oxygen vacancies increase in the structures of ZnO .